tyrannize

verb

tyr·​an·​nize ˈtir-ə-ˌnīz How to pronounce tyrannize (audio)
tyrannized; tyrannizing
Synonyms of tyrannizenext

intransitive verb

: to exercise arbitrary oppressive power or severity
some ways the living tyrannize over the dying— Thomas Powers

transitive verb

: to treat tyrannically : oppress
a regime that tyrannizes its citizens
tyrannizer noun

Examples of tyrannize in a Sentence

a government that tyrannizes its own people
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As a simple but stable system of cryptographic property rights, Bitcoin is a digital, modern-day solution to the problems the U.S. Constitution sought to solve: protecting us from humans who seek to tyrannize us. — Edan Yago, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024 Saddam Hussein tyrannized Iraq for 12 years after his troops were routed in Kuwait in 1991. — Daniel Treisman, Foreign Affairs, 2 Nov. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of tyrannize was in the 15th century

Rhymes for tyrannize

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Browse Nearby Words

tyrannise
tyrannize
tyrannosaur
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Cite this Entry

“Tyrannize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tyrannize. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

tyrannize

verb
tyr·​an·​nize ˈtir-ə-ˌnīz How to pronounce tyrannize (audio)
tyrannized; tyrannizing
: to act like a tyrant
tyrannizer noun

More from Merriam-Webster on tyrannize

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for tyrannize

Nglish: Translation of tyrannize for Spanish Speakers

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